Patriotism

To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639) – The Majesty of Nairobi – The Beauty of Chyulu Hills – The Wonder of The Mars Tonight, step on foreign soil for a special evening of native authentic Kenyan food, drinks, music, art, diplomats, film, and more! Featuring: A) **Kenyan Food:** Prepared by a native Kenyan chef. B) **Kenyan Beer and other African Beverages:** Sample the best and most unique Kenyan beers as well as other African treasures. C) **Special Kenyan Cultural Presentation:** **D) Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the leading Kenyan Diplomats and feel free to schmooze and network with the diplomatic staff, all of whom will be invited to this special evening, and many of whom are expected to attend. **E) Kenyan Art:** Throughout the embassy, the staff has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans’ eyes. They will be on hand to personally discuss the art’s origins and meaning with you. **F) Kenya Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing Kenya’s cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, safari tours, everyday culture and much much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Kenya, Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Kenya or staff at the Embassy of Kenya. We appreciate your support of our event* ## Suggested Attire Smart Casual. Jeans, shorts or sneakers, or plain/design tee shirts are not acceptable. To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639)

**Nurture Voices. Grow Leaders. Inspire Impact.** Join us for a once-in-a-generation moment as we celebrate over 30 years of excellence. This historic final conference is our opportunity to honor our legacy, connect with leaders from across the region, and step boldly into the future as we transition to District 220. **Event Details:** * **Dates:** May 15–16, 2026 * **Location:** Washington Rockville Hilton Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 **Why You Can't Miss This:** * **World-Class Keynotes:** Learn from **Craig Valentine, DTM** (1999 World Champion of Public Speaking) and **Melissa McGavick, DTM** (Past International Director). * **Expert Education Sessions:** Gain insights from industry leaders and Toastmasters legends: * **Michele DiMeo:** Branding and storytelling from "The Restaurant Diva." * **Vince Caldwell, DTM:** Strategies for high-performing teams. * **Barry Piatt, DTM:** Mastering the art of growth-focused evaluations. * **The Final Celebration:** Riveting speech contests, networking with guests, and food/entertainment as we honor the District 36 legacy. **Agenda Highlights** * Inspiring Keynote Speakers * Educational Sessions on Leadership and Communication * District-Level Speech Contests * Networking and Social Connection * Commemorative Food and Entertainment Seats are limited for this final gathering. Secure your spot today to ensure you are in the room when we close this chapter and launch into a bold new future. **Register Now:** https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/district-36-2025-2026-spring-conference-may-15th-and-16th

**Mark your calendar for every third Friday of the month!** Come hang out with fellow freedom-lovers, get the inside scoop on the Liberty Movement in Northern Virginia, and hear what’s brewing with local festivals and upcoming election support. Whether you’ve been part of the cause for years or are just curious about Libertarian ideas, you’re welcome to drop by for food, fun, and lively conversations that keep the spirit of liberty alive!

The Perry Valley Loop is a wonderful loop hike that includes Big Schloss, Tibbet Knob and Half-Moon Mountain in the George Washington National Forest. This is a full 3 days, beginning on Friday and concluding Sunday afternoon. * **Length:** 27.4 miles * **Duration:** 3 days & 2 nights * **Elevation Gain:** 5,133 feet * **Peak Elevation:** 2,964 feet * **Difficulty Level:** Strenuous * **Cost**: None! For a thorough overview, please consider reading "[Perry Valley Loop Backpacking Guide](https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/perry-valley-loop?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2tOHD9PVCXZrhHyUuboaurGFe3CAkvoqcceheeIUHwWaFrexBgnrMPQdE_aem_gDp3jGVZLhqAopOivcmAvg)" from Into the Backcountry. For Backpacking Trips, all participants will be **waitlisted** until you have been vetted. Please answer all of the questions asked during the RSVP or you will remain on Waitlist until they are received. Detailed logistics, carpooling and other trip details will be EMAILED once we have finalized the participants. **Notes:** * The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead. * Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions. * Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. * Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit [https://www.patc.net/](https://www.patc.net/) **Backpacking Trip Essential Requirements & Expectations** *These items outline specific requirements and expectations for all participants on our backpacking trips. These are in addition to the PATC Liability Waiver and are crucial for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone, especially given the remote nature of these trips.* Please read carefully. By registering for a backpacking trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to adhere to these requirements. 1\. Self\-Sufficiency & Responsibility: \* This is a group trip, but we operate on a self-sufficient model. You are responsible for your own well-being and preparedness throughout the trip. \* You must carry all your essential equipment, including shelter, food, a first-aid kit, water, and water purification supplies. Sharing some items with a partner is acceptable. 2\. Navigation & Preparedness: \* You are expected to understand the trip's difficulty, including total mileage, elevation gains and declines, type of terrain, and daily splits. \* You must be in good physical shape and capable of completing the planned itinerary. \* You are required to have your own printed maps, as well as a compass and/or GPS, and know how to navigate. This is particularly important if you miss the group's morning departure. \* If you have a medical condition that could become relevant during the trip (e.g., carrying an EpiPen or inhalers), you must inform the hike leader in advance. 3\. Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety: \* All participants must follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. \* You must have an established method for securing your food from bears at night. 4\. Group Dynamics & Punctuality: \* All participants must be 18 or older. \* Leave your dog at home for backpacking trips. \* If carpooling, please bring cash or use Venmo to offset the driver's gas expenses. \* Punctuality is essential. Be on time for carpool departures and be ready to leave campsites at the agreed-upon times. \* If you tend to move slowly in the mornings, please allow extra time to be ready for departure. \* Bring a great sense of humor – it's an essential piece of gear! 5\. Communication: \* We will be in a remote area that may be out of cell service. \* If you have any questions or concerns before or during the trip, please ask the hike leader. **Understanding the Risks:** Please be aware that backpacking in a remote area, potentially out of cell service, involves inherent dangers and risks. Your preparedness and adherence to these guidelines are vital for the safety of yourself and the entire group. **Questions:** David M (“Square Feet”) is the PATC Volunteer leading this event and is a PATC certified Hike & Backpacking Leader, member of Trail Patrol and the Backpacking Committee Chair. David is certified in Wilderness First Aid. PATC’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, so if you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Join us for a **fun, curious, and reflective evening walk** through four of DC’s most iconic war memorials — moving from daylight to twilight to full night as the monuments shift in mood and meaning. This is a **zero‑expertise, all‑welcome** adventure designed for adults who like learning, laughing, and noticing things together. We’ll explore how the U.S. remembers war — through architecture, symbolism, and the stories we choose to elevate — with **light, playful activities at each stop**. Perfect just before Memorial Day! **⭐ What to Expect** * **Total distance:** \~1.5 miles, slow pace * **Difficulty:** Easy, mostly flat * **Vibe:** Playful, thoughtful, welcoming * **Who’s welcome:** Everyone — solo attendees, friends, couples, locals, visitors * **Cost:** Free (tips optional, never expected) **⭐ Want to come along?** RSVP, bring water, and wear comfy shoes. This is one of the most beautiful times of day to see the memorials — and one of the best ways to experience how DC tells its stories. ***

**Ready for a night of bold flavors and good company? 🌭🍕** Skip the kitchen and join your DTs family and friends for a fun-filled dinner at **[Kook Dogg Cafe!](https://www.kookdoggcafe.com/)** After our Thursday night Happy Hour, let’s head over for some delicious **artisan pizzas, mouthwatering sandwiches, and unique eats** at **12100 Sunset Hills Rd R-6, Reston, VA 20190**. Whether you're craving a crispy flatbread, a loaded sandwich, or something totally unexpected, Kook Dogg has something for everyone! Please **RSVP on our Facebook and Meetup pages** so we can give the restaurant a heads-up on how many hungry DTs to expect! We usually have a group of **12-20**, but the more, the merrier! Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving your spot helps us plan better. We’re always switching up the dinner spots for variety, so keep an eye out for **next week’s location**—because every **Thursday brings something new to the table! 🍽️**

Willkommen zum deutschen Stammtisch in Washington DC! Wir treffen uns regelmäßig an verschiedenen Orten, um Deutsch zu sprechen und Spaß zu haben. Egal, ob Anfänger oder Muttersprachler, jeder ist herzlich eingeladen, sich uns anzuschließen! Welcome to the German Stammtisch in Washington DC! We gather regularly at different locations to speak German and have fun. Whether you're a beginner or native speaker, everyone is welcome to join us!

April showers bring May flowers! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Let’s celebrate America250 and some Nordic connections to the founding of the United States! Did you know that one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was of Finnish descent? That one of Rochambeau’s aides-de-camp was a Swedish count who supposedly left for the American Revolution after a romance with Marie Antoinette? That “Old Denmark” was a military officer born in Denmark who fought with the Americans at Bunker Hill or that Alexander Hamilton most likely could read Danish? Or that the democratic ideals of the U.S. Constitution served as inspiration for the Norwegian Constitution signed on May 17th, 1814? Join Nordic Culture and Language Exchange for a Meetup event this Saturday, 16 May, from 1-3pm at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to learn more. We will practice our Nordic languages for the second hour of the event. We will meet on the lower level of the museum at “America’s Table Cafe”.

levels 1-4, preferable like to keep it in the 1-2 realm but bring what ya like https://www.rpgchronicles.net/session/d6f71be9-a972-46fe-90d4-c65e3ed3cfd6/pregame Chronicles link, please fill out if you can as the time gets near. Helps me on the backend. I'll have a chronicle page up as we get closer to the date and I'll toss some resources in there this week for reference. Tensions are high following the Battle of Hellknight Hill, and while Cheliax hasn't taken any direct action, they've encouraged privateers to attack Andoran shipping. One of these pirates is especially overconfident, and believes she can win more favor with a more direct attack–one on the Augustana shipyards. Coincidentally, the Pathfinder Society is in the market for a new ship, and the heads of Supplies and Procurement are touring some that are available when the attack begins. As the escorts to Nairaba and Kitsch, the two aforementioned heads of their divisions, it's up to you to keep your charges safe while dealing with the chaos. Written by Hilary Moon Murphy. **Scenario tags**: Hellfire Crisis

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

**Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989) Join us on your own or with friends for an unforgettable evening of French wine, cuisine, and dance as you meet other attendees. We cordially invite you to a special evening at the Embassy of France to Immerse yourself in the magic of Paris, without leaving the city! Step into the charm of the French capital for an unforgettable evening at the Maison Française at the Embassy of France. **Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989) Indulge in exquisite French cuisine, toast with a glass of champagne, and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of an authentic French soirée. Join us for Midnight in Paris and let the City of Light sweep you away! **On the Menu:** Delicious French food and buffets prepared by Chef Daniel Labonne, Executive Chef of the French and German Embassies Ham by Jambon de Bayonne, with live demo Raclette Station Crepes Station Desserts by Fresh Baguette Take the opportunity to network with fellow Francophiles, French VIPs, diplomats, professionals and business people in the wonderful Maison Francaise at the French Embassy. Kindly note that event details, entertainment, and menus are subject to change without notice. **Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989)

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026. The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/). The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will **start around 3:00 p.m**. There will be a **cash bar**, and those in attendance can **bring food or snacks** for themselves and or to share with the groups. **Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan